Last year's stage to Dahlonega was full of excitement and perhaps even dread, as
the weather turned nasty, the hailed dropped from the sky in chunks of ice big
enough to drive off a tee, and the fog became so dense that the cars in the
caravan had to light the way for the riders at some points. With a much
better forecast on hand for the 2006 stage, we're hoping for excitement of
another kind as the cyclist conquer the mountains and stir up the GC prior to
the stage to Brasstown Bald. With four climbs, anything can happen
on the way to Dahlonega (pronounced Duh-lawn-a-guh)

Located in the first valley west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dalton is
naturally beautiful. Best recognized as the "Carpet Capital of the World,"
Dalton is a city rich in Civil War history surrounded by the Native American
cultural heritage of northwest Georgia. Dalton's carpet and textile industry
placed it on the map in the 1950's and is still the major industry in the area.
With Historic Downtown Dalton only 3 miles off I-75, you don't have to go far to
discover unique dining and shopping along our beautiful streetscapes. You'll see
antebellum structures downtown, like our original Western and Atlantic train
depot, .Exceptional growth and resources for industry have kept Dalton racing
and becoming more and more a bustling metropolitan area.

Also of note is the fact that Dalton is the home town of Saul Raisin,
currently riding in the green and white of Credit Agricole. Saul suffered
a nasty crash and subsequently went into a coma last week, but is reported to be
alert and improving at the time of this writing. The
Daily Peloton urges everyone to weargreen and white to Friday's stage to honor and encourage
Saul in his full recovery. We hope to see his
smiling self riding in the peloton again real soon.

Arrive'e

Dahlonega is just one hour north of Atlanta in the foothills
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located on top of the largest gold deposits
east of the Rocky Mountains, Dahlonega was the site of America's first gold
rush in 1828. Although the gold rush history takes center stage in town,
Dahlonega is fast becoming known as a "Mecca for the performing and visual
arts". From bluegrass and old-time music to art galleries and theater there
are exhibits and performances almost every weekend. The Historic Town Square
is the center of attention in town, beckoning visitors to shop, play, eat
and enjoy the best of Dahlonega. Dahlonega is also the center of Georgia's
wine industry. As home to four distinct wineries Dahlonega's vineyard loop
is a cyclist favorite. This cyclist haven is home to the infamous Six Gap
Century and serves as a year-round training ground for pros and amateur
cyclists across the Southeast.

To view a printable copy of the race log for Stage Four,
visit Race log

Stage Five, 94.5 miles/152.1 km

Saturday, April 22: Blairsville, GA to Brasstown Bald,
GA

Start 11:30 AM--Finish 3:14
to 3:54 PM

Brasstown Bald...chances are if you've been to a previous stage on this
mountain, it was one of the most exciting days of racing you've ever
experienced. Two years ago it was local rider Cesar Grajales from
Jittery Joes that lit up the road on his way to victory ahead of the likes
of Jens Voight and Lance Armstrong. Last year the weather turned
severe with snow flurries and gusty winds challenging the riders all day.
At the top of Brasstown Bald it was Tom Danielson riding into the leader's jersey
with a mere four second lead over Levi Leipheimer. With two cat 1 and
one cat 2 climb, the riders have to pay attention to movement in the peloton
as anything can happen on the way to the top.

Union County is located on the northeast border of Georgia
and offers scenic beauty, friendly people, and an outdoor wonderland for all
to enjoy. The seasons change from winter white to pastel spring to verdant
summer to brilliant fall foliage. Blairsville, with its historic, Romanesque
downtown district, has never recorded a temperature higher than the mid 80s.
Union County includes the Blue Ridge Mountains crossing through more than
half the county's acreage within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Cyclists
from across the Southeast and beyond come to Union County year round to
train, while taking in some of Georgia's most breathtaking views.

Arrive'e

Towns County, in the northeast corner of Georgia where
summers are cool and winters are serenely beautiful, is as rich in natural
beauty as when the Cherokees roamed the land. Visitors can enjoy authentic
mountain music, arts and crafts, fine lodging, dining and resort facilities,
and a multitude of recreational opportunities all designed to make a visit
to Towns County memorable. Activities like horseback riding, golfing,
hiking, biking, and even llama treks through the woods abound. A trip to
Towns County is not complete without a visit to Brasstown Bald Mountain. It
is the highest point in Georgia, with its 360-degree vista of four states
and 4784-foot elevation.

To view a printable copy of the race log for Stage Five, visit Race log